4 Reasons to Enjoy Pumpkin All Year Long

If your only interactions with this popular orange fruit happen when you carve a Halloween pumpkin or bite into a Thanksgiving pie, then you’re missing out. Pumpkins are so much more versatile than most of us realize, and they can do wonders for our health. Discover tasty ways to add this superfood to your meal plan with some of our best pumpkin recipes, and learn more about the health benefits of this healthful food below.

The antioxidants found in pumpkin help to promote joint health and prevent inflammation. In addition, they fight off free radicals that can attack healthy cells and lead to a number of unhealthy conditions, as well as some types of cancers.

2. Pumpkins Contain a Large Number of Helpful Nutrients

The high levels of Vitamin C in pumpkins help to promote immune system function, and pumpkins contain lots of Vitamin A, protein, potassium, and zinc, too. This allows pumpkins to protect the eyes, regulate cholesterol levels, prevent arthritis and hypertension, and promote healthy skin and increased fertility. In addition, pumpkin contains L tryptophan, a chemical compound that has been known to lead to positive feelings and can help to fight depression naturally.

3. Pumpkins Can Help You to Detoxify

Pumpkins are also a great source of fiber. This allows them to assist in flushing toxins from the body and keep everything flowing smoothly.

4. There are Many Ways to Enjoy Pumpkins

Even when pumpkin isn’t in season, you can enjoy its benefits by carefully selecting healthy canned varieties. Look for cans that read “100% pumpkin”. Pumpkin tastes great in baked goods, lends itself to creamy soups, is delicious in a stir-fry, and can be enjoyed in roasts and salads. Don’t forget to enjoy the seeds, too!